Lesson Plan
Bingo Gameplay Plan
Participants will reinforce recall of trauma-informed de-escalation strategies by playing a collaborative bingo game, then reflect on applying these moves in real scenarios.
Active engagement through game play strengthens advisors’ confidence in using de-escalation moves under pressure. This playful practice boosts retention, promotes teamwork, and fosters smoother school climates.
Audience
Middle School Advisors
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive bingo rounds paired with group discussion and reflection.
Materials
De-Escalation Moves Overview, De-Escalation Bingo Cards, and Bingo Markers or Chips
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print one set of De-Escalation Bingo Cards per small group
- Upload and review De-Escalation Moves Overview
- Gather bingo markers or chips for each group
- Arrange seating so groups of 3–4 can play collaboratively
Step 1
Introduction & Rules
5 minutes
- Welcome participants and state the session objective
- Briefly review key de-escalation strategies using the slide deck
- Explain bingo rules: listen to scenario or move prompts, mark matching moves on cards; first to bingo shares insights
Step 2
Gameplay
15 minutes
- Divide into groups of 3–4 and distribute cards and markers
- Teacher reads aloud strategy descriptions or real-world adult/student interaction scenarios
- Participants mark moves on their cards and strive to complete a row, column, or diagonal
- When someone calls “Bingo,” pause game and invite them to explain how each marked move applies
Step 3
Debrief
5 minutes
- Ask winning group(s) to share reflections on the moves they called
- Facilitate a brief discussion on any moves that felt unfamiliar or challenging
- Reinforce correct application with examples from the slide deck
Step 4
Individual Reflection
5 minutes
- Have each advisor jot down one strategy they’ll prioritize incorporating into their advising practice
- Invite volunteers to share their action step and offer peer feedback
Slide Deck
De-Escalation Moves Overview
A rapid reference for trauma-informed strategies to calm and support students in tense moments.
Welcome participants and orient them to this quick-reference guide. Explain that these key moves will be the focus during the Bingo game.
What Is Trauma-Informed De-Escalation?
• An approach grounded in understanding how trauma affects behavior
• Uses empathy, safety, and choice to reduce tension
• Seeks to build trust and collaboration
Define trauma-informed de-escalation. Emphasize the importance of empathy, safety, and collaboration over control.
Move #1: Calm Body Language
• Maintain open posture (arms uncrossed)
• Use soft, deliberate gestures
• Keep voice steady and gentle
Example: Hands relaxed at sides, slow breathing
Model an open, relaxed posture and steady tone. Invite a volunteer to mirror the stance.
Move #2: Active Listening
• Use eye contact and nodding
• Reflect and summarize student’s words
• Ask clarifying questions
Example: “It sounds like you’re upset because…”
Demonstrate a reflective listening exchange. Highlight summarizing what you hear.
Move #3: Offer Choices & Collaboration
• Present limited, reasonable options
• Involve the student in deciding next steps
Example: “Would you prefer to talk now or take a short break?”
Explain how offering choices restores a sense of control. Role-play a choices scenario.
Move #4: Validate Feelings
• Acknowledge emotions without judgment
• Use empathetic statements
Example: “I can see that this is really frustrating for you.”
Stress genuine acknowledgment of feelings. Provide sentence stems for practice.
Move #5: Ensure Safety & Support
• Assess the physical environment for safety
• Offer assistance or a pause
Example: “Let’s step outside for a moment if you’d like.”
Discuss creating a safe environment. Suggest strategies for calming the space.
Move #6: Collaborative Problem-Solving
• Brainstorm solutions together
• Choose an agreed-upon action plan
Example: “What would help you feel heard right now?”
Outline steps for co-creating solutions. Emphasize follow-through on agreements.
Quick Reference Summary
Calm Body Language | Active Listening | Offer Choices | Validate Feelings | Ensure Safety & Support | Collaborative Problem-Solving
Point out that this slide can be printed or displayed during the Bingo game for quick recall.
Worksheet
De-Escalation Bingo Cards
Use these cards with markers as outlined in Bingo Gameplay Plan. Call out strategy names or read scenario prompts from the teacher; players mark the matching square. First to bingo shares their insights and examples, referring back to the quick-reference in De-Escalation Moves Overview.
Bingo Card 1
| Calm Body Language | Student speaks softly but avoids eye contact | Active Listening | Validate Feelings | Ensure Safety & Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| You say, “It seems like you’re feeling upset.” | Offer Choices & Collaboration | Collaborative Problem-Solving | Suggest stepping outside for a moment | Summarize: “So you’re feeling overwhelmed because…” |
| Pause and nod while the student is talking | Provide limited options for next steps | FREE SPACE | Check the hallway is clear and safe | Brainstorm together: “What might help right now?” |
| You ask, “Can you tell me what happened?” | Validate Feelings | You offer: “Would you prefer to talk now or take a break?” | Active Listening | Open palms and stand relaxed |
| Collaborative Problem-Solving | Calm Body Language | A student raises their voice in frustration | Offer Choices & Collaboration | Ensure Safety & Support |
Bingo Card 2
| Summarize: “So you’re feeling overwhelmed because…” | Collaborative Problem-Solving | Student speaks softly but avoids eye contact | Ensure Safety & Support | Offer Choices & Collaboration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Listening | Check the hallway is clear and safe | Validate Feelings | You ask, “Can you tell me what happened?” | Pause and nod while the student is talking |
| Provide limited options for next steps | FREE SPACE | Calm Body Language | Suggest stepping outside for a moment | You say, “It seems like you’re feeling upset.” |
| Brainstorm together: “What might help right now?” | You offer: “Would you prefer to talk now or take a break?” | Active Listening | A student raises their voice in frustration | Validate Feelings |
| Calm Body Language | Offer Choices & Collaboration | Collaborative Problem-Solving | Open palms and stand relaxed | Ensure Safety & Support |
Bingo Card 3
| You ask, “Can you tell me what happened?” | Offer Choices & Collaboration | Summarize: “So you’re feeling overwhelmed because…” | Calm Body Language | Collaborative Problem-Solving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suggest stepping outside for a moment | Validate Feelings | Pause and nod while the student is talking | Ensure Safety & Support | You offer: “Would you prefer to talk now or take a break?” |
| Provide limited options for next steps | Student speaks softly but avoids eye contact | FREE SPACE | Validate Feelings | Active Listening |
| A student raises their voice in frustration | Open palms and stand relaxed | Brainstorm together: “What might help right now?” | Offer Choices & Collaboration | Calm Body Language |
| Active Listening | You say, “It seems like you’re feeling upset.” | Collaborative Problem-Solving | Check the hallway is clear and safe | Ensure Safety & Support |
Reflection Questions
- Which de-escalation move or scenario square was easiest for you to recognize during the game, and why?
- Which move or scenario felt most challenging, and what might help you get more comfortable with it?
- Identify one strategy from today’s game that you will prioritize using in your next advising interaction. Describe a brief action plan for applying it.